Riley Wells: That Kinda Love
What inspires your music?
I find most of my inspiration comes from my life experiences; my connection with others, and how romance and feelings meet human sensuality. I really immerse myself in love and relationships, even my relationship with the universe- so I find myself naturally exploring how I experience every corner and crevice of life. I think it can be really beautiful to be wholeheartedly honest and vulnerable about my feelings, because often that’s what we’re all searching for with others and within ourselves. When it comes to my music, I’m inspired to convey this through emotive melodies and conversational storytelling.
How did you start your recording career?
I started recording covers for my soundcloud when I was 16, and the first song I recorded was a piano version of One Dance by Drake. I think I started to really find my sound through covering R&B and hip hop artists in my own pop-style. So, when I got to Berklee College of Music, I had been writing but hadn’t released anything yet- and then I met some important collaborators there: namely producer Ryan Kay who produced my first EP ‘Value’ and latest single ‘That Kinda Love’. Finding people that I worked well with encouraged me to start recording my original music and begin my career as a pop solo artist and songwriter from there.
How did you come up with your single?
I wrote ‘That Kinda Love’ when I was feeling swept up in the exhilaration of passionate love, where it feels so good to bask in that other person and delight in the moments that you get to be together. I wanted to write about the way romance and thrill can be amazingly intertwined.
What is your genre of music?
Commercial pop, with influences of pop R&B and dance pop.
Who are your influences?
As a songwriter, I take a lot of inspiration from the music I listened to growing up. My mom played a lot of soul and motown music, and I learned to love artists like Earth Wind & Fire and Marvin Gaye. I’ve always admired the way they unapologetically spoke about things they care about, truly sang from their heart and also created music that was feel-good. Currently, I love artists like Dua Lipa and Kiana Ledé, and how they merge pop/R&B music trends with bold and catchy lyrics.
How do you define success?
I think success is so personal and individual- but for me, I feel successful when I continue to honor and show up for myself. Whether that means setting small goals and sticking to them, or living by my values of love and honesty on a daily basis. My vision of success is the commitment to myself that I will continue to explore a lifetime of music and creative expression.
What can we expect from you in 2020?
I am so excited to have just released my brand new single, ‘That Kinda Love,’ this year. I’ve been writing a lot, so there’s certainly more to come. Expect to hear more from me soon! :) xx
SOCIALS
“That Kinda Love” On Spotify
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